The effects of sensory modulation on patient's distress and use of restrictive interventions in adult inpatient psychiatric settings: A critical review

Within a psychiatric inpatient setting, restrictive interventions may be used for managing disturbed behaviors. However, the restrictive practice can be traumatic and may carry risks to patients and staff. Evidence is growing for the use of sensory modulation in mental health, yet in a general adult psychiatric inpatient setting, the effect on reducing distress and restrictive practice is not fully ascertained. An electronic literature search was conducted to identify the impact of sensory modulation as a therapeutic measure to reduce the need for more restrictive interventions. Studies of varying designs were identified, with key relevant outcomes including seclusion events, seclusion duration, patient distress, and staff and patient feedback. Reduction in the percentage of patients needing seclusion, reduced patient distress levels, and favorable feedback from staff and patients were identified. However, conflicting results of seclusion events were demonstrated. The findings from this review are promising for the therapeutic benefits of sensory modulation in adult inpatient settings. Further studies are warranted, particularly to evaluate the multiple static and dynamic environmental factors that may influence restrictive practice in inpatient settings.